Nevada County Picayune and Gurdon Times Newspaper Archive

Commission Talks Finances

Gurdon's Water and Sewer Commission began its new fiscal year still working to settle condemnation cases for the rural water project.

In its regular meeting Monday night, July 20, the commission heard 13 of the 33 condemnation suits were settled at one time, with three being contested by the property owners. The first 13 were not contested and were easily settled.

Harold Hurst, manager of the Gurdon Water and Sewer Department, informed the panel funds are available to settle the suits with. Eric Hughes, he said, is representing the department's interests.

In other business, the panel approved a budget for the 1998-99 fiscal year, which began July 1.

The major changes were due to the inclusion of the rural water project. The 97-98 budget had anticipated revenues of $240,000 for water, with this amount changed to $275,000 for the new year.

The total budget went from $562,562 for 97-98 to $608,280 for 98-99.

On the other hand, the expenses also were increased because of the rural water project. Last year's anticipated expenses were $399,292, with the new figures reflecting $420,396.

Depreciation figures for water, sewer and the rural water project were set by the auditors. Depreciation for water and sewer remained the same, while the rural water figures went from $10,704 to $51,396 with the project being completed.

Hurst told the commissioners the department must have a budget approved annually, but it can be changed and adjusted as the circumstances require.

However, he said, the department cannot operate in the red by law.

Last year, Hurst said, the department's budget reflected anticipated revenues to begin coming in from the rural water project on Nov. 10, 1997, but money didn't begin coming in until Jan. 12, 1998.

At this time, Hurst said, of the 376 rural water customers who paid for meters, all but 119 have been hooked onto the system. Interestingly, there are nine customers who have hooked into the system, but aren't using any water.

Hurst also informed the panel the department plans to move some of its monies out of checking accounts and into certificates of deposit. This can now be done with the auditing being completed. Rhonda Spruill, he said, will handle the transaction.

G&S Trenching is working to clean up after installing water lines for the rural project. Hurst said a lot has been done, but the company is a long way from being finished. Those residents who have had their property cleaned by the service have been pleased so far.

However, he said, when the clean up work will be finished is unknown at this time, though the company is making good progress.